RUGBY​ ​STARS​ ​MAKE​ ​‘FIT​ ​GIFT’​ ​PLEA​ ​TO​​ ​PARENTS

Three stars of women’s world rugby have joined forces to make a plea for parents to consider Christmas gifts that promote kids' health rather than risking damaging it. With electronic gadgets and calorific treats likely to feature high on Christmas lists, the three stars: Natasha Hunt - Team GB and England rugby player, Chloe Butler - Australia Women’s Rugby World Cup and Richmond RFC player, and Gaëlle Mignot - French Captain in the 2014 Women's Six Nations Championship and Richmond RFC player have teamed up to encourage ‘fit gifts’ that open up kids’ minds to sport rather than tying them to screens or calories.

The plea comes as Lions launches the UK’s first rugby experience gift voucher for kids. The voucher - backed by the three female stars - offers children from 8 to 18 years old the chance to train with rugby stars in a bid to build fitness, skills, conditioning, teamwork and good sports ethics.

Simon Pennock, Chairman of Lions Academy, said: “It has never been so essential that we as parents start to open children’s minds to the outdoors and time off-screen at Christmas. How many parents use this opportunity to invest in their child's characters and life skills? We know that rugby started young can build better adults and it is fantastic that three stars on the world stage of Women’s Rugby give it their full support.

” Natasha Hunt, Team GB and England rugby player, said:"It’s refreshing to see the idea of a traditional gift turned on its head. Galle, Chloe and I are really looking forward to celebrating Christmas differently with some of the children whose parents have rewarded them with this active gift."